A national alliance looking to improve children’s transition into secondary school is calling for examples of best practice and “approaches that have not worked”. The Key Stage 3 alliance, supported by the Department for Education, is being led by prominent academy trust leaders Becks Boomer-Clark, CEO of Lift Schools and Lesley Powell, CEO of North East Learning Trust. It says Key Stage 3 has “too often been treated simply as a bridge between primary school and GCSEs, rather than as a distinctive and purposeful phase of education in its own right”. A national call for evidence is seeking examples of “effective” practice in early secondary years, along with research and innovation, “as well as lessons from approaches that have not worked”. The alliance will also speak with pupils about their experiences of the early secondary years. ‘Drive innovation’ Following the launch of the alliance this afternoon, a regional roadshow will begin across the country. Events will take place in Addlestone, Cambridge, Doncaster, Exeter, Leicester, Manchester, Newcastle and Worcester. Ministers said the alliance will “drive innovation and build the evidence base for what works”, and will form part of the government’s universal RISE offer. The alliance will focus on four national priorities: engagement and belonging, foundational literacy and numeracy, assessment and data coherence, and pathways to adult life. ‘Seriously overlooked’ Co-chair Boomer-Clark said: “For too long, Key Stage 3 has been a seriously overlooked phase of education, We have lacked a clear, shared, understanding of what these years are for and what every young person should experience during them. “Schools see the consequences in attendance, engagement and belonging. Too many young people begin Year 7 with enthusiasm, only to gradually lose confidence, curiosity and connection.” Fellow co-chair Powell said schools are “stronger together”, and the alliance “gives teachers and school leaders an exciting opportunity to share expertise to drive meaningful change”. Seventeen academy trust and council bosses will be acting as regional leads working under Boomer-Clark and Powell. They include Outwood Grange chief Lee Wilson, Dixons leader Luke Sparkes and Windsor Academy Trust’s Dawn Haywood . Wilson said the alliance’s launch comes amid a growing focus on the rising number of people not in education, employment or training (NEET). crisis. “It will examine how a rich and purposeful experience from the age of 11 can give young people stronger foundations and make academic, technical and vocational opportunities at 14 genuine and valued choices,” he said. The call for evidence is open until 5pm on 9th November. Schools, trusts, colleges, as well as researchers and young people are invited to take part.